Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: An Upset Kobe Bryant Cried In The Shower Because His Father Didn’t Attend Any Of The NBA Finals Games In 2001
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > An Upset Kobe Bryant Cried In The Shower Because His Father Didn’t Attend Any Of The NBA Finals Games In 2001

An Upset Kobe Bryant Cried In The Shower Because His Father Didn’t Attend Any Of The NBA Finals Games In 2001

It wasn't a good time in the Bryant household leading up to the 2001 NBA Finals.

Aaron Abhishek
Jan 5, 2023
4 Min Read
Share

Credit: Fadeaway World

The late Kobe Bryant was an unhappy man despite the Los Angeles Lakers winning the NBA Championship in 2001.

The win was a testament to all the changes the side rung starting with acquiring Shaquille O’Neal, followed by hiring Phil Jackson as their head coach. And while it didn’t yield good results immediately, the years that followed saw things go their way.

O’Neal and Bryant combined to become a sizzling duo decimating teams with consummate ease and went on to win a string of titles. They won three championships together from 2000-2002.

They took down the Philadelphia 76ers in five games in 2001 to win the title, but despite winning his second in a row, Bryant was not in good spirits as he was seen crying in the shower with the trophy. And those who thought it was out of sheer joy were far away from the truth.


Kobe Bryant’s Parents Weren’t In Attendance For Any Of The NBA Finals Games In 2001

It wasn’t a good time in the Bryant household leading up to the finals. Kobe Byrant’s father, Joe wasn’t too happy about his son getting engaged to Vannessa Laine as she was a Latina.

The relationship between the two soured when the Lakers’ legend stood firm on his stance to stay with Vanessa, and his parents didn’t attend any of the NBA Finals Games that season, shattering Bryant.

That’s not to say he never enjoyed a good bond with his father. The guard had once revealed the secret behind his confidence, and much of it came from his dad, who was an NBA star himself. And the moment came when he was just 10 and was coming off a forgettable summer tournament scoring zero points.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by theScore (@thescore)

Here I come playing, and I don’t score one point the entire summer. Not one. (I was) 10,11. I was in the game… Because I was terrible! I remember crying about it and being upset about and my father just gave me a hug and said ‘listen, whether you score 0 or you score 60, I’m gonna love you no matter what’. Now that is the most important thing that you can say to a child. Because from there I was like ‘Okay, that gives me all the confidence in the world to fail’. I have the security there. But, to hell with that, I’m scoring 60!”

Safe to say, the confidence never wavered till his last day on the hardwood as he became one of the undisputed stars for the next couple of decades. 

He may have had a tumultuous time after the 2001 championship win, but there’s no denying that his father was a massive influence in his life.

We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.

Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Kobe BryantLos Angeles Lakers Archive
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByAaron Abhishek
Aaron Abhishek is an NBA columnist for Fadeaway World. He graduated from St. Joseph's College with a Bachelor's in Visual Communication and a Master's in journalism.His passion for the sport began when he saw Michael Jordan take his final shot in the NBA, and he considers himself fortunate to have been a part of the Kobe Bryant era. Now he writes basketball news and analysis while waiting for the Los Angeles Lakers to win their 18th title.When not watching and writing basketball, you can find Aaron suited to play cricket, putting in some hard yards at the gym, trying a new coffee, and supporting Arsenal. Expertise: NBAFavorite Team: Los Angeles LakersPrevious Work: MEAWW, Blue Man Hoop, Sportskeeda
Previous Article LeBron James Has A One-Word Praise For Dennis Schroder’s 32-Point Performance Against The Heat
Next Article NBA Fans Think Draymond Green Was Afraid Of Isaiah Stewart During The Altercation: “Why He Isn’t Tough With Someone Who Wants The Smoke”
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick speaks to media before a Game 2 of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

JJ Redick Explains Why Lakers Got Blown Out By Suns In Preseason Opener

October 4, 2025
Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts against the Golden State Warriors at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Phoenix Suns News & Analysis

Devin Booker Trolls Deandre Ayton During Lakers-Suns Game

October 4, 2025
Lonzo Ball
Cleveland Cavaliers News & Analysis

Lonzo Ball On Track For Major Redemption Season, Turning Heads At Training Camp

October 4, 2025
Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27), center Nikola Jokic (15) and guard Christian Braun (0) in the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 6 of the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Denver Nuggets News & Analysis

Denver Nuggets Guard Declares They Have The Best Starting Five In The NBA

October 4, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?